MVN: Most Valuable Network

As I was out of state during the Ravens/Bengals matchup (Yes, I was able to watch it on TV, or else I wouldn't have went out of state) this is my first chance to crtique the game, and I can do it in one sentance; It was an ass whipping. No, maybe that's too simple an analysis. It was a game that the Ravens needed to win, and they made sure they wouldn't be denied.

The Ravens offense had a field day in this one with Joe Flacco throwing for a career, young one that it is, high 280 yrds., 2 TD's, and Mark Clayton picking up where he left off against the Eagles with 5 receptions for 164 yards, and a score. The pass he caught for a touchdown was one of the 5 best I've ever seen in my lifetime. Running full stride with a defender to his inside Flacco put the ball where only Clayton could catch it, and catch it he did. Clayton swung his arm out at the last second and snagged the ball with one hand, cut to his left causing the defender to fall to the ground, and strode into the end zone, the ball still clutched in his right hand. Remind me to never shake hands with Clayton, his grip has to be out of this world. What a play! Clayton also threw a TD pass to fellow receiver Derrick Mason on a trick reverse. That one must have had the Baltimore bar rooms and living rooms rockin'. 

Many Raven fans, myself included, were starting to wonder if Clayton would ever develop into a really good receiver. Prior to this season he seemed to have maybe one or two good really good games a year, assuming he was on the field. 2006 was the exception when he tallied 939 yards on 67 receptions. Though he didn't make much of an impact early this season his play in the last 5 games has shown what the Ravens saw in him when they drafted him with the 22nd pick of the 1st round in 2005. Clayton is now showing consistency getting open, and holding onto the ball. Maybe having a better quarterback then he had in the past plays a part in it.

"The L Train" was also chugging down the track, chewing up 86 yards and spitting out Bengals defenders along the way.  McLain has shown he can handle the lions share of the load which is why Ray Rice was only needed for 11 carries. And I'm not sure if coach john Harbaugh is sending a message, but Willis McGahee wasn't needed at all. I still believe Harbaugh is pissed at McGahee for not attending any of the OTA's, and coming into camp in poor shape. Or, maybe Harbaugh just wanted to let McGahee rest his sore knee a week longer, your guess is as good as mine.( Update; Harbaugh said that McGahee not playing against the Bengals wasn't health-related ) 

The Ravens defense simply overwhelmed the Bengals, holding them to 155 net yards, 89 of which came on the Bengals drive late in the second quarter where the Ravens made them settle for a field goal. Maybe they got too much rest at that point and weren't fully awake because that was the only drive the Bengals sustained.Srong safety Jim Leonhard's 35-yard interception return for a touchdown was an added bit of gravy with this Ravens feast. The Ravens defense is nothing short of total domination. Hell, when you think of it Baltimore's defense outscored Cincinnati's offense 6-3

This one was fun to watch, and was a bit of a payback for the two losses the Ravens were dealt by the Bengals last season. For these two teams it's akin to getting into an elevator, the Bengals are pushing the ground floor button, and the Ravens are going up to the top floor. What a difference a year makes.